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Los Angeles Lakers free agency: 3 realistic players team could still sign

By Gil Alcaraz IV

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 13: Shabazz Muhammad #15 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 13, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 13: Shabazz Muhammad #15 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 13, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 16: Trey Burke #33 of the Washington Wizards runs on the court against the Detroit Pistons at Verizon Center on December 16, 2016 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Trey Burke, PG

Four years ago, Trey Burke was seen as one of the NBA’s most intriguing young guards. Now, heading into the 2017-18 campaign, he’s no longer an exciting talent by today’s standards. That, however, doesn’t mean it’s time to throw in the towel on his basketball career.

There are obviously concerns at this point. He was inconsistent at best for the Washington Wizards, falling out of favor as the backup point guard down the stretch in 2016-17. During the team’s playoff run, he was essentially a non-factor while seeing scarce minutes behind Brandon Jennings.

Still, I’d like to believe another change of scenery could unlock his full potential. We’ve seen how effective his shooting can be at times, but his career 39 percent shooting from the field paints a different picture. That being said, there’s a chance he shines in a backup role behind Lonzo Ball. In that situation, there’s no pressure to perform like a former No. 9 overall pick. That’ll fall on the 2017 No. 2 pick.

Signing a one-year deal with the Lakers may be in Burke’s best interests. If he steps up and makes an impact in the backup role, he sets himself up for a payday next offseason. He may even convince Magic to keep him around when the super team is assembled in 2018.

It’s been a bumpy road for Burke up to this point. Joining the Lakers, though, could get his career back on the right track. Plus, he won’t cost an arm and a leg to sign like some of the more prominent point guards still on the open market.

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